THE NORTHWEST2045

​The NorthWest2045 project was established in 2020 in response to the critical issues facing our communities and our land. 

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NorthWest2045 is:

• A network open to those in North West Sutherland and Coigach interested in working towards a sustainable, repopulated rural economy and resilient, thriving communities, 

• its activities are undertaken with the aim of working towards (and updating) the future articulated in the NW2045’s 2021 community led vision. 

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It seeks to: 

• Provide a collective voice on issues and areas of consensus across the region, 

• Undertake policy, advocacy and research work in relation to those cross-cutting issues, 

• Take up specific projects and initiatives crucial to the area’s future but not being worked on by other groups/organisations, 

• Act as a network, enabling information sharing and collaboration between different groups and organisations in the area. ​

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The NW2045 is a diverse collective, comprising local organisations - community groups; local development trusts; statutory bodies; and community, private and eNGO landowners - from across the North West Highlands, from Coigach in the south, north to Durness and east to Bettyhill.

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These organisations recognised that the issues we face are too large to be addressed in isolation by single organisations acting in isolation. Collaboration across sectors and across the area is key.​

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We are creating the critical mass we need to improve our prospects, strengthen our voice and make best use of our resources by working together to create a future where our communities thrive economically, socially, and environmentally.  

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We want our population to grow sustainably, job opportunities to broaden and average salaries to rise.  We think this will require a resilient and diverse economic base which makes the best use of our natural assets while enhancing local skills and opportunities. ​

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We have many assets to build on: resilient communities and strong community ownership and action; a world class landscape; a range of businesses contributing to the Scotland brand (food & drink, tourism); and abundant natural assets in the marine and land environment.

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In early 2021 we embarked on an ambitious consultation across the area which resulted in the NW2045 community-led Vision. 

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The Vision has resulted in several opportunities developing in the area, such as the Regional Land Use Partnership and the Repopulation Zone. ​

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The NW2045 area:​​​

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